Ron Fox

June 21, 1955–August 15, 2019

About Ron Fox

Ron Fox, 64, passed away on August 15, 2019 in Salem, Oregon. He was the son of Allen and Ruth Fox and brother of Tonya fox, all of Salem. He grew up in Salem and graduated from South Salem High school in 1973 where he fell in love with acting thanks to his teacher Phyllis Quanbeck. He worked at Fairview Training Center and then in human resources at the Oregon Police Academy, a job he loved. In 2013 he married Rachael Nichole Boyd and became stepfather to then 10-year-old Hannah. He was preceded in death by his parents. Besides his wife and stepdaughter, he is survived by his sister Tonya with whom he shared an extremely close relationship for his entire life.

He loved his family and spent many hours with them shopping in antique stores, traveling to the coast and hanging out in their beautiful home, the very home he grew up in.

Ron was a kind man with a big heart. Throughout his life, he would help out others and give what he could even if had little to nothing for himself. He was also a man of wit, humor, strong opinions and deep artistic talent. Besides his family, his greatest passion was theater. He was a stunning, charismatic actor, able to play any character with authenticity and depth. He appeared in productions principally at Pentacle Theatre in Salem. In 1994 Ron was awarded the honor of becoming a Lifetime Member at Pentacle Theatre. Ron appeared on stage at The Verona Studio in Salem and the Lakewood Theater in Lake Oswego. In addition, he became a make-up artist early in his theatrical career, under the tutelage of Bill Dayton, a craft he loved and excelled at.

Ron first appeared at Pentacle in the 1972 production of Dracula, while still in high school. After graduation, he was in the The Mandrake in 1977 and subsequently acted or directed 25 more plays at the Pentacle Theatre. Some of his memorable roles included George in Of Mice and Men, Biff in Death of a Salesman, Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Starbuck in The Rainmaker, and Dr. Treves in The Elephant Man. One of his final roles, and probably his favorite, was playing King Henry in Pentacle’s 2011 production of The Lion in Winter, where he fell in love with his wife Rachael who played his lovely Princess Alais. After his diagnosis, he again became a Lion as he fought cancer – the toughest role of his life – surviving long after the predictions of his death. He will be remembered most by his family for his fierce devotion to them and, at Pentacle Theatre, as one of a handful of the very best actors ever to take that stage.

Ron’s family is planning a celebration of life at Pentacle Theatre for next June, date to be announced by Pentacle. Memorial donations may be made in Ron’s name to:
Pentacle Theatre, PO Box 186, Salem, OR 97301.

Classmates at South. We both had Jaguar XKE convertibles. That sealed the deal. Friends for life. He eventually sold his to me. He kept it in a filbert drying shed. Home for squirrels. Pulled up the floor mat to check for rust. Smudged my arm with black grime. Then noticed the smudge was moving on my arm. Not a grease smear but instead an entire regiment of fleas! We both laughed to tears! Your last curtain has arrived but I’ll never forget you dear friend.

Ron was Horace Vandergelder to my Dolly Levi at South Salem High School in 1973. A brilliant boy and fine actor then. I am happy to hear he continued in theatre throughout his life.
Claudia Gunnar Carlsson

I first met Ron when I ran into to Rachael at a Walmart a while before they were married, and then the next time at a storage unit that Rachael’s dad and I had. He was always very personable. We also talked several times usually about a car situation. He had an old Ranchero that he needed help with. It was always good to talk with him! You are with our higher power Ron. You can play any part you want now! God bless!

My dear Rachael
The very first time I met Ron, I knew he was a good man. We didn’t have many chance to be together, Since we live so far apart . But when we did he and I had some Great conversations, about most everything. I will miss him. Sending you and Hannah my love and hugs. Uncle Wayne